72 The One Who Waits

72 The One Who Waits
(Colin's POV)

The carriage rolled slowly toward Dorian's estate.

Wheels crushed white stones along the capital's avenue, their rhythm echoing in the sealed carriage, yet unable to silence the question churning in my mind.

——What if Kyle were like me, a half-blood?

——Would he do better than me?

I closed my eyes, my brow gradually furrowing.

Madness. I must be going mad. Why would I ask Ella such a question?

I watched Ella's bewildered expression, saw her slightly knitted brow, caught the brief confusion that flashed and vanished in her eyes, and suddenly realized what I'd just said. In that instant I felt like a jealous, immature child, doing things I couldn't control, using words I couldn't explain, trying to claim a place in someone's heart that didn't belong to me.

This wasn't like me at all.

Over the years, I'd learned forbearance and patience, learned to hide all emotions beneath armor. Only with Ella did I occasionally forget these lessons.

I shifted my gaze from Ella's face and closed my eyes.

I heard my own voice, quieter than before: "Sorry, I'm a bit tired. I want to rest." Without waiting for Ella's response, I closed my eyes as if truly falling asleep.

But only I knew I couldn't sleep at all.

I was jealous of Kyle.

This fact I could no longer deny.

Lily was my sister, Ella had known me for years, and Ronan... was related to me by blood. I should be closer to them, yet why...

Why did they all end up standing beside Kyle?

Ella would risk danger for Kyle, venturing alone into Thornport. Lily unhesitatingly gave Kyle her most precious tear pearl. Even the newly born mer-child Ronan looked at Kyle with far more trust than he ever showed me.

Why? Kyle was a dark elf wanted across the continent, while I was the knight representing justice!

I'd climbed step by step to today's position, bearing infamy and enduring humiliation, all to one day rescue my family.

Yet in the end, the one they trusted wasn't me.

My chest suddenly tightened with dull pain, as if something were slowly churning deep within my body.

My brow furrowed sharply.

No! That sensation was returning.

The mermaid magic within me crashed against the seal like a tide. That familiar burning quickly spread through my limbs. I could feel my heartbeat accelerating, breathing becoming more labored—I needed more air.

I could feel scales beginning to emerge. I'd experienced this process countless times! My fingers started curling involuntarily... my body was transforming into mermaid form!

I jerked my eyes open, reaching for the suppressant in my pocket.

However, a pale hand had already appeared before me.

A transparent vial lay quietly in Ella's palm—she'd somehow already uncorked it.

"Don't rush, drink it slowly. You'll feel better soon," she said gently.

I was stunned. Ella had been watching me all along.

Warmth flowed through my heart, and my body—alternating between burning heat and cold—became less unbearable. I thought this was all because of Ella's presence.

She was my angel.

I saw sunlight through the carriage window falling across her face, pale golden halos making her entire being appear gentle. She was so beautiful, so tender, and so brave.

I couldn't help but love her.

I took the potion and drank it down. Cool liquid slid down my throat, and that restless mermaid magic finally quieted bit by bit.

I said quietly, "Thank you."

Ella smiled softly. "It's what I should do. Do you feel better?"

Looking at her, a sudden thought appeared, telling me I had to act.

Ella, I love you. I cannot bear a world without you.

I absolutely won't watch Ella fall into another's embrace. I'll never let go!

Just not yet.

Waiting, enduring—these were my greatest skills. I'd waited over a decade; I didn't mind continuing. I only needed the final person standing beside Ella to be me.

The carriage gradually slowed.

A subordinate's voice came from outside.

"Captain, we've arrived."

I tucked away all emotions and donned the knight captain's mask again.

The moment I stepped from the carriage, a magnificent estate came into view.

A towering white main building stood at the garden's center. Fountains sent crystal water columns skyward, masses of roses bloomed along stone paths, nobles moved back and forth, and expensive spices scented the air.

Even outside the capital, this place epitomized luxury.

I glanced sideways at Ella beside me. She tried maintaining composure, but her eyes still widened slightly at her first sight of such an estate.

Like a deer leaving the forest for the first time.

I couldn't help smiling.

"Don't be nervous," I whispered. "Just follow me."

She nodded lightly.

We reached the estate entrance. After checking our invitation, a servant bowed respectfully.

"Sir Colin, please enter. Welcome."

Then he turned to Kyle and another accompanying knight behind us.

"As for the two attendants, you may only move about the garden areas. Please don't enter the main building."

Colin turned back with instructions: "You two explore outside."

Kyle nodded calmly, seeming truly just an ordinary knight.

As we passed each other, I didn't turn back, only glancing at Kyle peripherally.

Kyle's steps didn't hesitate as he naturally headed toward the garden. Ella and I were about to enter the main building together.

But at that moment, I saw Ella and Kyle exchange an extremely subtle look.

My chest suddenly felt tight. I immediately grasped Ella's hand, interrupting their visual communication.

"Ella, let's go."

Inside the hall, crystal chandeliers made the entire ballroom bright as day.

Capital nobles gathered in small groups, toasting and laughing constantly.

I led Ella into the crowd, and soon people approached us.

"Sir Colin!"

"You finally came!"

"Is this your partner?"

Several gazes simultaneously fell on Ella.

Even through her veil, her outstanding bearing couldn't be concealed.

A noble lady couldn't help praising: "What a beautiful young lady."

"Sir Colin has excellent taste indeed," another laughed in agreement.

I accepted all these compliments—Ella was my chosen partner, naturally the finest.

I smiled slightly: "This is Ella. Not only beautiful but very intelligent—an excellent apothecary."

Facing everyone's praise, just as we'd discussed beforehand, Ella lowered her head slightly, playing shy.

Everyone laughed kindly.

Taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere, I subtly steered conversation toward tonight's real target.

"By the way, why hasn't Master Dorian appeared yet?"

Several people exchanged glances.

"Master Dorian's temper hasn't been good lately."

"I heard a few days ago he executed several servants over something trivial."

"But strangely..." another noble lowered his voice.

"These past two days, his mood seems suddenly much better."

"Right, right! It's like from the moment he arrived in Ethelburg, he looks years younger."

Younger? Strange.

My gaze sharpened slightly, though I smiled: "Really? Master Dorian probably acquired some new curiosity. Playing happily improves one's mood."

That person smiled mysteriously and whispered, "I'll only tell you all—don't spread it around! Supposedly Master Dorian traded with a mysterious merchant and got something good!"

Greed sparked in his eyes: "That thing can make people young again!"

Someone immediately objected: "Impossible. Life magic is forbidden magic. No one can reverse time!"

The secret-sharer shrugged: "I only heard from others. I don't know if it's true—just take it as a joke~"

Everyone tactfully pretended they'd never heard this, starting other conversations.

I didn't pursue the matter, instead naturally discussing the capital's recent situation. My position as patrol knight captain made many nobles eager to curry favor.

After several rounds of drinks, someone finally volunteered: "If the captain is interested in Master Dorian's collection, you could visit the bell tower's basement. All the treasures he brought this time are there—I heard there's even an adult mermaid!"

"Heavens, a mermaid?" someone gasped behind their hand. "Mermaids are rare!"

Another laughed: "I heard many nobles offered high prices to buy it, but Master Dorian won't sell to anyone."

"He said——"

"That mermaid has other uses for him."

Ella and I almost simultaneously looked at each other. Through her veil, she nodded slightly.

Plan step one: target confirmed.

I raised my glass, toasting with everyone, my expression unchanged.

Moments later, a small commotion erupted in the hall's center.

A server carrying wine accidentally bumped into Ella. Bright red liquid spilled across her yellow skirt, quickly spreading.

The server's face went pale: "S-sorry! Miss! I'm truly sorry!"

Ella looked down at the stain without blaming him, only smiling gently.

"It's fine."

A maid immediately approached: "Miss, please come with me. The estate has prepared guest rooms where you can change into a spare gown."

Ella agreed softly.

Before leaving, she exchanged a quick glance with me.

Then she followed the maid toward the back of the ballroom.